Skin biopsy

Treatment

Your doctor will usually prescribe antibiotics that you need to take by mouth (oral antibiotics). Very early cases may be treated with antibiotics that you apply to the affected area (topical antibiotics).Serious infectionsmay need antibiotics given through a vein (intravenous antibiotics).

Placing a warm, wet cloth over the area can help remove ulcer crusts. Your doctor may recommend antiseptic soap or peroxide washes to speed recovery.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Unlike impetigo, ecthyma can sometimes result in scarring.

Possible Complications

Spread of infection to other parts of the body

Permanent skin damage with scarring

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Make an appointment with your health care provider if you have symptoms of ecthyma.

Prevention

Carefully clean the skin after an injury such as a bite or scratch.Do not scratch orpick at scabs and sores.

Ecthyma - illustration

Ecthyma is a skin infection similar to impetigo, but more deeply invasive. Usually caused by a streptococcus infection, ecthyma goes through the outer layer (epidermis) to the deeper layer (dermis) of skin, possibly causing scars.

Ecthyma

illustration

Ecthyma gangrenosum - illustration

This picture shows a skin infection (ecthyma) that has eroded through the top layer of skin (epidermis). Ecthyma gangrenosum is a bacterial skin infection (caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa) that usually occurs in people witha compromisedimmune system.

Ecthyma gangrenosum

illustration

Ecthyma - illustration

Ecthyma is a skin infection similar to impetigo, but more deeply invasive. Usually caused by a streptococcus infection, ecthyma goes through the outer layer (epidermis) to the deeper layer (dermis) of skin, possibly causing scars.

Ecthyma

illustration

Ecthyma gangrenosum - illustration

This picture shows a skin infection (ecthyma) that has eroded through the top layer of skin (epidermis). Ecthyma gangrenosum is a bacterial skin infection (caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa) that usually occurs in people witha compromisedimmune system.